NX300h Luxury

Superb styling, quality and reliability.

The NX has proved an outstanding choice, with 3 years of problem-free motoring. It's beautifully designed, inside and out, with excellent build quality. Performance is good rather than exciting, with excellent refinement and low noise levels. The only exception is under hard acceleration when the e-CVT system sends the petrol engine revs soaring. Motoring journalists have highlighted this issue, which occurs in less than 5% of normal driving. 95% of the time the NX is blissfully quiet and smooth, with none of the rattle of diesels, still less their NOx and soot emissions. The Toyota hybrid system operates completely seamlessly, and most of the time it's hard to tell whether the car is under petrol or electric power or both.

Handling is better than I'd expected from an SUV, with little body roll, and the car is surprisingly good fun to punt along winding A-roads, with good steering feel. The only downside is the rather firm and choppy ride, though it's never uncomfortable. The 2018 facelift model, which I've driven, has improved the ride significantly.

Lead-footed motoring journalists have criticised the fuel consumption, but an overall 42 mpg (45 in summer, 39 in winter) probably matches the real-world figures achieved by the diesel equivalents.

Overall I've been delighted by the NX, and recommend it warmly to anyone wanting a stylish, comfortable and technically advanced crossover.

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